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Flying RV-9 + O-360 + Catto

N941WR

N941WR

Legacy Member
Is there anyone out there flying an RV-9(A) with an O-360 and a Catto prop?

If so, could you tell if your prop has two or three blades, the diameter, pitch, and performance numbers?

By performance numbers, I would like to know what your 75% power RPM is, ROC, max cruise, etc.

Thanks!

PS. For those of you who are flying an OT9 (Other than a -9), thanks but your numbers aren't going to help me.

PPS. LA, NO, I do not want nor do I need a CS prop!
 
Last edited:
Hi Bill,

I have been flying an RV9a with an America's Aircraft built Eci 0-360/Catto 3 blade since March of 2006. I should note that this plane does have the James cowl/plenum which is good for a few extra kts in cruise.

My 2005 vintage Catto 3 blade is Craigs older design. He has improved the tip design and gone to a more consistent CAD method of production since mine was built. Mine is a 66x76 whereas I understand he now recommends the 66x74 with the newer tips for 360 RVs. I understand the newer design gives slightly better climb and similar cruise speeds.

I have done a lot of performance testing in the plane (as well as much x-cntry flying) and can tell you that my cruise between 9 and 13k d. alt at 62-66% power (a sweet spot on my plane) will always be between 162 and 167 ktas burning around 8-8.3 gph. This power setting usually, depending on conditions of course, has the rpm around 2600--a quiet/smooth point on my aircraft. If I want to push it up to 2700-2750 rpm (which I seldom do) and 75% power (at 7000-9500 ft) it will cruise in the mid to upper 170 ktas range.

Climb from low d. altitudes with just me aboard and 90 kts gives me 2000+ fpm. I normally climb at 115 to 125 kts indicated and still see 1400 fpm solo--1000 to 1200 fpm with me and the wife/full fuel.

The thing I like most about this set up is the efficiency in the 10 to 14000 ft range where the Ronz airfoil really likes to fly.

The forum archives have several threads on this set up--you might want to do a search for more info.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

db
 
Hi Stan,

Good to see the finished product---she sure is pretty!! Blue with silver trim or deep red with silver trim were my top choices--the blue looks great!

Tailwinds!

Cheers,

db
 
O360?

Bill,

Did you decide to go with a 0360? I'm contemplating the same since I live at almost 6k MSL. If you do, it will be interesting to hear the comparison 290 vs. 360.

Ed
 
Stan,

Thanks, those numbers are helpful.

I've elected to go with the new 72" Whirlwind Ground Adjustable Prop so this will give me an idea of what I should see, at a minimum.
 
stan_markwell said:
Some performance numbers from the RV9A.. IO-360, 187hp?? SJ inlets and 3 blade Catto, Sorry don't remember the pitch of the prop I will post an update with it.

6000'
rpm 2450, map 19.4, tas 175, power 62%
rpm 2550, map 21.2, tas 179, power 71%
rpm 2700, map 23.0, tas 191, power 80%

8000'
rpm 2450, map 18.6, tas 174, power 58%
rpm 2550, map 20.2, tas 181, power 68%
rpm 2700, map 21,6, tas 193, power 76%

10,000'
rpm 2450, map 17.1, tas 168, power 54%
rpm 2550, map 19.0, tas 180, power 65%
rpm 2700, map 20.9, tas 193, power 75%
Click to expand...
Stan,

Do you know what your fuel burn is at those power settings?
 
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